The Japanese international has five goals to his name already this season and netted ten from his wide position last term in Liga Nos.

Ralph Hasenhüttl’s new charges are sorely lacking goal threats across the pitch and are not at all clinical in front of goal when they get there.

The Austrian must change that and he will more than likely switch to his preferred 4-2-2-2 in search of increased attacking impetus at St Mary’s.

(Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

Getting Nakajima in January could see him dovetail with Nathan Redmond, which could well be a dangerous combination; both men can play on either wing and would provide service to the Saints’ new-look front two.

The report says the Japanese wideman has a £35m release clause in his contract, but Portimonense could sell for less because of their financial situation.

Southampton need fresh impetus because they are currently a side lacking identity and attacking threat and putting together a rapid pair of wingers could propel Hasenhüttl’s revolution forward from the early stages, provided they could beat off reported top flight rivals to get their man.